Tactile switch for an electronic device

ABSTRACT

One embodiment of the disclosure includes an input module. The input module includes a switch, a rotatable and translatable input member operably connected to the switch and configured to actuate the switch, and an electrical contact operably connected to the switch and in electrical communication with the input member. During operation, the electrical connection between the input member and the electrical contact is maintained during translation and rotation of the input member. The input module may be used with a variety of electronic devices and can be used by a user to provide input to those devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a nonprovisional patent application of andclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/864,389, filedAug. 9, 2013, and titled “Tactile Switch for an Electronic Device,” thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and morespecifically, to input devices for computing devices.

BACKGROUND

Many types of electronic devices, such as smart phones, gaming devices,computers, watches, and the like, use input devices, such as buttons orswitches, to receive user input. However, many input devices, such asbuttons or switches, may allow only a single type of input. For example,a button may only transmit one type of signal, which is a compression ofa button that completes a circuit. As electronic devices reduce in size,it may be desirable to have fewer input buttons or devices, withoutreducing functionality or the number of input types that can be used bya user to provide information to a device. Further, in instances wherethe button or switch may be movable or rotatable, the button may not beable to include a sensor or other electronic element that requires dataand/or power to be transferred between the button and one or morecomponents of the electronic device, as the movement may make anelectrical connection difficult.

SUMMARY

One example of the present disclosure takes the form of an input module.The input module includes a switch, a rotatable and translatable inputmember operably connected to the switch and configured to actuate theswitch, and an electrical contact operably connected to the switch andin electrical communication with the input member. During operation, theelectrical connection between the input member and the electricalcontact is maintained during translation and rotation of the inputmember. The input module may be used with a variety of electronicdevices and can be used by a user to provide input to those devices.

Another example of the disclosure takes the form of a switch assembly.The switch assembly includes a rotatable and translatable input member,a coupling operable connected to the input member and moveabletherewith, a tactile switch operably connected to the coupling, and anelectrical contact operably connected to the tactile switch and inelectrical communication with the coupling. The input member isconfigured to actuate the electrical component when the input membertranslates, and the coupling rotates as the input member rotates.Additionally, the electrical connection between the coupling and theelectrical contact is maintained during translation and rotation of theinput member.

Yet another example of the disclosure includes a wearable electronicdevice. The wearable electronic device includes an enclosure defining acavity and a button aperture defined through the enclosure. The wearableelectronic device also includes one or more processing elements receivedwithin the cavity, and a switch module operably connected to theenclosure. The switch module includes a tactile switch in communicationwith the processing element, a rotatable and translatable input memberoperably connected to the tactile switch, and a contact operablyconnected to the tactile switch and electrically coupled to the inputmember. During operation, the electrical coupling between the inputmember and the contact is maintained during translation and rotation ofthe input member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a wearable electronic device including amulti-input device.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of the wearable electronic device.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the wearable electronic device takenalong line 3-3 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view similar to FIG. 3 showing a user inputforce being applied to a button of a tactile switch assembly for theelectronic device.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of another example of a tactile switchthat may be used with the tactile switch assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the tactile switch of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the tactile switch of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the tactile switch of FIG. 5 as atranslating force is applied thereto.

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the tactile switch of FIG. 5 as arotating force is applied thereto.

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of yet another example of a tactileswitch that can be used with the tactile switch assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the tactile switch of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the tactile switch of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a tactile switchassembly. The tactile switch assembly may be implemented in a number ofelectronic devices. In some embodiments, the tactile switch assembly maybe incorporated into a portable electronic device such as a wearableelectronic device, laptop computer, tablet, or the like. The wearableelectronic device may be a watch, portable music player, computing orgaming device, smart phone, or the like. In some embodiments, thewearable electronic device is a watch that can be worn around the wristof a user. In these embodiments, the tactile switch assembly may includea button that forms a crown for the watch and is connected to a sidewallof an enclosure for the device.

The tactile switch assembly includes a tactile switch, a user inputmember, and a shear plate or an electrical contact. The user inputmember, which may be a button, switch, flange, or the like, can providea first type of input to the tactile switch by mechanically activatingthe switch. For example, the tactile switch may include a dome thatcompresses due to a translating user force to the input button and, uponcompression, the tactile switch creates a signal indicating the userinput. In this example, the compression of the dome may also providefeedback to a user, e.g., tactile feedback.

The shear plate may electrically connect the tactile switch and the userinput button so that electrical signals are transmittable between thetactile switch and the user input button and/or between the tactileswitch and one or more electrical components (e.g., sensors) on the userinput button. In other embodiments, electrical signals, power and thelike may be routed between the switch and button by a flex, wire, traceor other electrical element that is attached to the shear plate andbutton. The shear plate also acts to prevent shear forces from beingtransmitted to the tactile switch, preventing the tactile switch frombeing damaged. The user input button may also provide a second type ofinput to the tactile switch assembly. For example, the user input membermay be rotatable relative to the tactile switch. Continuing with thisexample, the shear plate may be positioned between the tactile switchand the user input button, allowing the user input member to remain incommunication with the shear plate even as the user input member isrotated relative thereto. For example, the shear plate may include abrush contact that maintains an electrical connection with the userinput member as the user input button is rotated.

In some embodiments the tactile switch assembly may be used as aphysiologic sensor and/or may be used in connection with a biometricsensor, although it should be appreciated that the sensor may be omittedfrom certain embodiments. In a specific embodiment, the wearableelectronic device may be used to measure electrical parameters of auser's body, such as heart rate, electrical activity of the heart, andso on. As one example, the tactile switch assembly may be used tocapture a user's electrocardiography. In this example, the wearabledevice may include a first user contact location and the user inputbutton may form a second user contact location when touched by a user.In this embodiment, the two contacts may create an electrical pathbetween the user and the device that allows the device to sense theuser's heart rate. In these embodiments, either a contact on the shearplate may be conductive and/or the tactile switch itself may include aconductive nub or contact point for interacting with the button. Theseembodiments allow the tactile switch to be electrically connected to oneor more elements within the housing.

In some embodiments, the tactile switch assembly may also include one ormore sensing elements and/or input/output elements on, or incorporatedinto, the user input button. Because the communicating componentelectrically connects the user input button to one or more internalcomponents of the wearable device, the sensors and/or other electroniccomponents on the user input button may be in communication with theshear plate and signals from the sensors and/or other components may betransmitted from the user input button via an electrical contact on theshear plate to one or more processing elements. In some embodiments, awire, flex, trace or other electrical element may electrically connectthe shear plate and input/output element, such as the user input button.

The tactile switch assembly may be configured to receive multiple typesof user inputs, such as, but not limited to, rotational inputs,translating inputs, and/or electrical inputs. For example, in oneembodiment, the tactile switch assembly may include the shear plate andmay be configured to receive rotational inputs, as well as translatinginputs, without damaging the tactile switch. Additionally oralternatively, the tactile switch assembly may be in electricalcommunication with one or more components within the electronic device,even as the input member is moved (e.g., translated and/or rotated). Inthese examples, if rotational input is not desired or if the rotationalinput will be limited, the shear plate may be omitted and the tactileswitch itself may include a conductive contact, such as an electricallyconductive nub.

Turning now to the figures, an illustrative wearable electronic devicewill now be discussed in more detail. FIG. 1 is a top plan view of awearable electronic device. FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of thewearable electronic device of FIG. 1. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2,the wearable electronic device 100 may include a hub 102 or computingcenter. In embodiments where the electronic device 100 is configured tobe worn by a user, the device 100 may include one or more straps 104,106 that may connect to opposite sides of the hub 102. Each of thestraps 104, 106 may wrap around a portion of a wrist, arm, leg, chest,or other portion of a user's body to secure the hub 102 to the user. Forexample, the ends of each of the straps 104, 106 may be connectedtogether by a fastening mechanism 108. The fastening mechanism 108 canbe substantially any type of fastening device, such as, but not limited,to, hook and loop, magnetic fasteners, snaps, buttons, clasps or thelike. However, in one embodiment, such as the one shown in FIG. 1, thefastening mechanism 108 is a buckle including a prong 134 or elementthat can be inserted into one or more apertures 112 in the second strap106 to secure the first and second straps 104, 106 together.

The hub 102 of the wearable electronic device generally contains thecomputing and processing elements of the wearable electronic device 100.FIG. 3 is a partial cross-section view of the hub 102 taken along line3-3 in FIG. 1. With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the hub 102 may include adisplay 116 at least partially surrounded by an enclosure 114. In someembodiments, the display 116 may form a face of the hub 102 and theenclosure 114 may wrap around the edges and backside of the display 116.Additionally, the internal components of the wearable device 100 may becontained within the enclosure 114 between the display 116 and theenclosure 114. The enclosure 114 protects the internal components of thehub 102, as well as connects the display 116 to the hub 102.

The enclosure 114 may be constructed out of a variety of materials, suchas, but not limited to, plastics, metals, alloys, and so on. Theenclosure 114 includes a button aperture 172 (see FIG. 3) to receive thetactile switch assembly 110 or a portion thereof. The button aperture172 forms a channel within a sidewall 188 of the enclosure 114 andextends from an outer surface 188 of the enclosure 114 to an interiorsurface 190. The button aperture 172 generally is configured tocorrespond to a button of the tactile switch assembly 110. That said,the button aperture 172 may be otherwise shaped and sized.

With reference to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the enclosure 114 mayinclude a sleeve 220 lining the button aperture 172. In theseembodiments, the button and/or other portions of the tactile switchassembly may be received into the sleeve 220, which connects the tactileswitch assembly 110 to the enclosure 114. The sleeve 220 may act to helpseal the cavity 139 of the enclosure 114, as well as help to secure oneor more components of the tactile switch assembly to the enclosure. Insome embodiments the sleeve 220 may be an insulating material and mayinsulate the tactile switch or portions thereof, such as the head andcoupling, from the enclosure. As will be discussed in more detail below,this may allow the tactile switch assembly to measure one or morecharacteristics of a user's body, such as a user's heart rate.

The enclosure 114 may also include a groove 186 defined on a top surfaceto receive the display 116. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the display116 may be connected to the enclosure 114 through adhesive or otherfastening mechanisms. In this example, the display is seated within arecessed portion or groove of the enclosure and the enclosure wrapsaround the edges of the display. However, in other embodiments, thedisplay and enclosure may be otherwise connected together.

The display 116 may be substantially any type of display screen ordevice that can provide a visual output for the wearable device 100. Asan example, the display 116 may be a liquid crystal display, a lightemitting diode display, or the like. Additionally, the display 116 mayalso be configured to receive a user input, such as a multi-touchdisplay screen that receives user inputs through capacitive sensingelements. In many embodiments, the display 116 may be dynamicallyvariable; however, in other embodiments, the display 116 may be anon-electronic component, such as a painted faceplate, that may notdynamically change.

The display 116 includes a plurality of icons 118, 120 or other graphicsthat are selectively modifiable. As an example, a first graphic 118 mayinclude a time graphic that changes its characters to represent the timechanges, e.g., numbers to represent hours, minutes, and seconds. Asecond graphic 120 may include a notification graphic, such as, batterylife, messages received, or the like. The two graphics 118, 120 may bepositioned substantially anywhere on the display 116 and may be variedas desired. Additionally, the number, size, shape, and othercharacteristics of the graphics 118, 120 may be changed as well.

The tactile switch assembly 110 is operably connected to the enclosure114. The tactile switch assembly 110 will be discussed in more detailbelow, but generally allows a user to provide input to the wearableelectronic device 100, as well can provide haptic feedback to a user.

With reference to FIG. 2, the wearable electronic device includes aplurality of processing or computing elements. For example, the wearableelectronic device 100 may include a power source 122, one or moreprocessing elements 124, a memory component 128, one or more optionalsensors 126, and an input/output component 130. Each of the internalcomponents may be received within the enclosure 114 and may be incommunication through one or more systems buses 132, traces, printedcircuit boards, or other communication mechanisms.

The power source 122 provides power to the hub 102 and other componentsof the wearable device 100. The power source 122 may be a battery orother portable power element. Additionally, the power source 122 may berechargeable or replaceable.

The processing element 124 or processor is substantially any type ofdevice that can receive and execute instructions. For example, theprocessing element 124 may be a processor, microcomputer, or the like.Additionally, the processing element 124 may include one or moreprocessors and in some embodiments may include multiple processingelements.

The one or more sensors 126 may be configured to sense a number ofdifferent parameters or characteristics that may be used to influenceone or more operations of the wearable electronic device 100. Forexample, the sensors 126 may include accelerometers, gyroscopes,capacitive sensors, light sensors, image sensors, pressure or forcesensors, or the like. As will be discussed in more detail below, one ormore of the sensors 126 may be used in conjunction with the tactileswitch assembly 110 or separate therefrom, to provide user input to thehub 102. Certain embodiments may omit the sensor or sensors 126.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the memory component 128 storeselectronic data that may be utilized by the wearable device 100. Forexample, the memory component 128 may store electrical data or contente.g., audio files, video files, document files, and so on, correspondingto various applications. The memory 128 may be, for example,non-volatile storage, a magnetic storage medium, optical storage medium,magneto-optical storage medium, read only memory, random access memory,erasable programmable memory, or flash memory.

The input/output interface 130 may receive data from a user or one ormore other electronic devices. Additionally, the input/output interface130 may facilitate transmission of data to a user or to other electronicdevices. For example, the input/output interface 130 may be used toreceive data from a network, or may be used to send and transmitelectronic signals via a wireless or wired connection (Internet, WiFi,Bluetooth, and Ethernet being a few examples). In some embodiments, theinput/output interface 130 may support multiple network or communicationmechanisms. For example, the network/communication interface 130 maypair with another device over a Bluetooth network to transfer signals tothe other device, while simultaneously receiving data from a WiFi orother network.

The tactile switch assembly 110 will now be discussed in more detail.The tactile switch assembly 110 may include a button 148, a coupling218, a shear plate 156, and a tactile switch 214. The components of thetactile switch may be operably connected together and select componentsmay be in electrical communication with one another.

With reference to FIG. 3, the button 148 forms a user interface for thetactile switch assembly 110 and extends outwardly from the enclosure114. For example, the button 148 may be an input member, such as abutton or switch that is translatable and/or rotatable relative to thehousing. The ability of the button 148 to translate and rotate relativeto the enclosure allows a user to provide a rotational force and/ortranslating force to the tactile switch assembly. In some embodiments,the button 148 may form a crown for the wearable electronic device 100and in other embodiments the button 148 may form an input button orswitch for the electronic device. The button 148 may generally be aflange shaped member that may have a cylindrical body and a rounded orflat top. The button 148 includes an outer surface 232 that isconfigured to receive a user input and a stem 150 that extends from aninterior surface 234 of the button 148. The stem 150 may define acoupling aperture 236 that extends longitudinally along a length or aportion of a length of the stem 150. In other words, the stem 150 may behollow or partially hollow. In some embodiments, the button 148 and/orstem 150 may be made of an electrically conductive material and/or maybe laced or doped with an electrically conductive material.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the coupling 218 may be a linkage,such as a shaft, that mechanically and/or electrically couples thebutton 148 to the tactile switch 214. The coupling 218 may be integrallyformed with the button 148 or may be a separate component operablyconnected thereto. For example, the stem 150 of the button 148 may formthe coupling member that is integrally formed with the button. Thecoupling 218 may be made of a conductive material, such as one or moremetals or metal alloys. Due to the conductive characteristics, thecoupling 218 may further act to electrically couple the button 148 tothe tactile switch 214 and shear plate 156, although in otherembodiments a wire, flex or other circuit may electrically couple thebutton and switch, either with or without including the shear plate insuch an electrical connection. The coupling may also include alow-friction material, such as graphite, on its bottom surface, whichallows the coupling to more easily rotate, even as it is operablyassociated with the shear plate.

The coupling 218 may include a shaft 240 extending from a bottom end222. The bottom end 222 may have a larger diameter than the shaft 240.The bottom end 222 may include an annular shelf 228 that extends aroundan outer surface. The annular shelf 228 may be configured to sealagainst the inner surface of the enclosure 114 and/or sleeve 220.Additionally, the annular shelf 228 may be configured to secure atrackable element 146, sensor, or sealing member to the coupling 218.

The bottom end 222 of the coupling 218 forms a joint to operably connectthe coupling 218 to the shear plate 156. In these embodiments, thecoupling 218 may include an engagement feature 226 connected to thebottom end 222. The engagement feature 226 is configured to rotatablyconnect to the shear plate 156 and maintain an electrical connection tothe shear plate 156 either while the coupling is rotating or stationary;this will be discussed in more detail below. As shown in FIG. 3, in oneembodiment, the engagement feature 226 includes a recess 224 formed intothe bottom surface 244 of the bottom end 222. An annular wall 242extends from the bottom surface 244 surrounding the recess 224.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the shear plate 156 may bepositioned between the coupling 218 and the tactile switch 214. In someembodiments, the shear plate 156 may be integrated with the tactileswitch 214, one example of which is shown in FIG. 10. In otherembodiments, such as the one shown in FIG. 3, the shear plate 156 may aseparate component operably connected to the tactile switch 214. As willbe discussed in more detail below, the shear plate 156 may substantiallyprevent shearing forces from the coupling from being transmitted to thetactile switch 214.

The shear plate 156 may include an electrical contact 158 that extendsupwards from a main body 250. The electrical contact 158 is a conductivematerial or otherwise laced with a conductive material such that theelectrical contact 158 may transmit electrical signals. The main body250 may be shaped as a plate or otherwise be configured to extend acrossa length and/or width of the tactile switch 214. The shear plate 156 maybe at least partially rigid and configured to transfer a force from thecoupling 218 to the tactile switch 214, which will be discussed in moredetail below. Additionally, the shear plate 156 may include one or moreterminals or connection mechanisms to connect the electrical contact 158to the processing element 124 and/or power source.

The tactile switch 214 may include a nub 216 and a collapsible dome 252.The nub 216 interacts with a contact element on an interior of the dome252 to indicate when the switch sensor 160 has been activated. Forexample, when the contact element 168 contacts the bottom of the switch,a circuit may be completed, a signal may be stimulated or created, orthe like. The dome 252 is a resilient and flexible material thatcollapses or flexes upon a predetermined force level and returns to itsoriginal shape when a force is removed. The dome 252 may be a thin metaldome, a plastic dome, or other may be constructed from other materials.The dome 252 may produce an audible sound, as well as an opposing force,in response to a collapsing force exerted by a user. The audible soundand opposing force provide feedback to a user when a user compresses thedome 252. The nub 216 is connected to the dome 252 and when a force isapplied to the nub 216, the nub 216 collapses the dome 252.

In some embodiments, the wearable electronic device may include atrackable element 146 and a sensing element 142. The sensing element 142is configured to detect the trackable element 146 in order to detectinputs to the button 148. For example, in some embodiments, the button148 (or other button) may be rotatable to provide a first input andcompressible to provide a second input. In this example, the sensingelement 142 may sense rotational input by tracking the position of thetrackable element 146 which may be mounted to the coupling 218 and/orstem 150. As one example, the trackable element 146 may be a magneticelement and the sensing element 142 may include a magnetic field sensor,such as one or more Hall effect sensors, that may be used to trackrotation of the trackable element 146. As yet another option, rotationmay be optically sensed. The trackable element 146 may be a pattern,such as a series, set or other pattern of light and dark marks, stripes,or the like, or areas of varying reflectance, polish, and so on. Thesensing element 142 may receive light generated by a light source (notshown) and reflected off the trackable element. The reflected light mayvary with the pattern of the trackable element, such that the reflectedlight may be sensed and the pattern of the trackable element on whichthe light impinged may be determined. Thus, if the pattern of thetrackable element is sufficiently unique along its surface, the buttoninput may be sensed. As still another option, the pattern of thetrackable element may vary along a circumference of the trackableelement and the trackable element may rotate as the shaft 240 rotates.Thus, a rotational position of the shaft may be determined from thetrackable element 146. As still another option, the trackable elementmay be incorporated onto the shaft itself, and may not be a separatepiece. That is, the shaft may be marked as discussed above in certainembodiments.

The tactile switch assembly 110 optionally may further include one ormore sensors 126 positioned within or connected to the button 148. Thesensors 126 may be electrically connected to the coupling 218, eithervia one or more wires or pathways within the button 148 or in instanceswhere the button 148 may be a conductive material. The sensor 126 may beconfigured to sense one or more characteristics and relay data to theprocessing element 124 via the coupling 218.

With reference to FIG. 3, assembly of the tactile switch assembly 110within the wearable electronic device 100 will now be discussed in moredetail. The tactile switch 214 is connected to a substrate 166 or othersupporting structure within the cavity 139 of the wearable device 100.The substrate 166 and/or switch 214 may be in electrical communicationwith the processing element 124 (see, FIG. 2). The dome 252 is orientedtowards the wall 190 of the enclosure 114 such that the nub 216 issubstantially aligned with the button aperture 172. The shear plate 156is positioned over and operably connected the tactile switch 214. Theshear plate 156 is orientated such that the electrical contact 158 maybe substantially aligned with the nub 216 of the switch 214.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the coupling 218 is operablyconnected to the shear plate 156 and electrically connected to thecontact 158. In particular, the electrical contact 158 may be receivedinto the recess 224 formed in the bottom surface 244 of the coupling218. The annular wall 242 surrounds the electrical contact 158. In someembodiments, the electrical contact 158 may be in contact with theinterior of the annular wall 242 and/or the end wall of the recess 224of the coupling. In this manner, the coupling 218 may be connected toshear plate 156 and may also be in electrically communication therewith.

The shaft 240 of the coupling 218 extends through the button aperture172 and is received into the coupling aperture 236 of the stem 150. Asealing member 154, such as an O-ring, cup seal, or membrane, isreceived around the shaft 240 and seals against the sleeve 220 or theinterior walls of the enclosure 114. The button 148 extends outwardsfrom the coupling 218 and extends past the outer edge of the enclosure114.

Operation of the tactile switch assembly 110 with the wearable device100 will now be discussed in more detail. If a user provides arotational force to the button 148, the stem 150 and button 148 willrotate in the direction of the force. The rotation of the button 148causes the coupling 218 to rotate along with the button 148. As thecoupling 218 rotates, the trackable element 146 rotates, allowing thesensing element 142 to track the rotation of the coupling 218, which maybe correlated to the user input to the button 148. Additionally, thecoupling 218 rotates around the electrical contact 158 of the shearplate 156. The annular wall 242 prevents the coupling 218 from rotatingoff-axis from the contact 158, as well as help to secure the twocomponents together. In some embodiments the electrical contact 158 maybe a brush contact or may otherwise be configured to maintain anelectrical connection between the walls defining the recess 224 and theannular wall 242 of the coupling 218, without substantially hinderingthe rotation of the coupling 218. Additionally, because the coupling 218rotates around the electrical contact 158, the rotational forceexperienced by the coupling 218 may not be transmitted to the tactileswitch 214 positioned below the shear plate to which the electricalcontact is connected. By preventing the shearing forces from beingtransmitted to the tactile switch 214, the tactile switch 214 may beprevented from rotating, which could damage the switch, cause the switchto become displaced relative to the coupling, and/or otherwise damagethe tactile switch. In some embodiments, the electrical contact 158 maybe configured to experience shear forces around 20N and torque at leasthigher than 10N-mm. This allows the tactile switch assembly 110 toreceive rotational inputs to the button 148, while maintaining anelectrical connection between the coupling and the contact, withoutdamaging either of the components.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the wearable electronic device 100similar to FIG. 3 but illustrating a compression force applied to thebutton 148. With reference to FIG. 4, as the user applies a force,either an angled force AF or an on-axis force F, the button 148 movestowards the sidewall 260, such that the bottom surface 262 of the button148 abuts against the enclosure 114. Lateral movement of the button 148,causes the coupling 218 to move correspondingly and slide further intothe cavity 139. As the coupling 218 moves into the cavity 139, ittransmits the force AF, F to shear plate 156. In particular, the endwall of the recess presses against the electrical contact 158, whichcompresses against the nub 216 of the dome 252. In some embodiments thetactile switch assembly 110 may be configured to receive user inputforces ranging between 1 to 3 Newtons. Because the shear plate 156 maybe at least somewhat rigid, the shear plate 156 transmits the force fromthe coupling 218 to the dome 252 causing it to collapse. As the dome 252collapses, an electrical contact within the tactile switch 214 touchesthe interior surface of the dome to complete an electrical connection,indicating the user input.

Once the force has been removed from the button 148, the domeresiliently returns to its original position, providing a biasing forceagainst the coupling 218 to return both the button and the coupling totheir original positions. In some embodiments, the tactile switch mayinclude a separate biasing element, such as a spring, that exerts aforce (either directly or indirectly via the shear plate) against thecoupling. In these embodiments, the button 148 and the coupling 218 mayreturn to their original positions prior to the user translation force Fapplied to the button 148.

In some embodiments, the button aperture 172 may be sufficiently largethat the tactile switch 214 can be activated by the angled force AF,even when the tactile switch 214 is positioned directly beneath thecoupling. In other words, the angled force AF or other off-axis forcemay activate the tactile switch 214 when the frictional engagement ofthe stem 150 and/or coupling 218 within the button aperture 172 sidewallis insufficient to resist the angled force AF. As the angle increases,the frictional force acting on the stem and/or coupling increases and byvarying the size of the stem and/or button aperture, a predeterminedangle range may be selected for which the angled force AF can activatethe switch. For example, a maximum angle of the input force can beselected and when the force is below that angle, the angled force canactivate the tactile switch 214 and when the angled force is at or abovethe maximum angle, the input button may not be activated. As an example,a force applied to the input button at an angle up to 30 or 45 degreesmay be able to activate the tactile switch 214.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, as the tactile switch 214 iscompressed by the coupling 218, the coupling 218 remains in electricalcommunication with the electrical contact 158. This allows the sensor126 to remain in communication with the one or more processing elements124 via the shear plate 156 and/or the button 148 to remain electricallyconnected to the shear plate 156.

The tactile switch 214 of the present disclosure allows a user toprovide multiple types of inputs to the wearable device 100, e.g.,rotational, translational, and angled. Additionally, the tactile switchassembly 110 allows the movable components, in particular the button 148and coupling 218, to remain in electrical communication with the shearplate 156 (and thus other electrical components within the device),without restricting movement. This allows one or more sensing elements126 on the button 148 to provide signals to non-movable components orother components positioned within the enclosure 114. The sensingelements 126 may receive power via the coupling 218 and the button 148.

In some embodiments, the tactile switch assembly 110 optionally may beused as a physiological sensor, although this functionality may beomitted from certain embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, theenclosure 114 may be electrically conductive and when worn by a user maybe in communication with the user's skin. With reference to FIG. 3, inthis embodiment the sleeve 220 may be an insulating material, such asrubber, plastic, or the like, and isolates the button 148, stem 150, andcoupling 218 from the conducive housing 114. To measure one or morecharacteristics of the user's heart, such as by an electrocardiograph(ECG), the user may press his or her finger on the button 148. In thisexample, the wearable device 100 may be worn around a user wrist and thefinger placed on the button 148 may be from the opposite arm as the armwearing the device 100. The connection between the user's finger and thehead 148 may act as a first lead for the ECG and the connection betweenthe user's wrist (or other portion of the arm) may act as the secondlead for the ECG.

As the user places his or her finger on the button 148, an electricalconnection via the coupling 218 and electrical contact 158 allows for asecond reference point. In this manner, voltage signals detected at thefirst location can be compared with voltage signals detected at thesecond location and subtracted to detect rise and falls between the twosignals. These rise and falls can be correlated to the rhythm of auser's heart. Additionally, in some embodiments, the device 100 may useone of the connections to the user's skin to send a pulse or signalthrough the user in order to measure the ECG characteristics of theuser's heart.

Brush Contact

In some embodiments, the tactile switch itself may include an electricalcontact and the shear plate may be omitted or integrated with thetactile switch. FIGS. 5-7 illustrate various views of another examplesof the tactile switch removed from the wearable electronic device. Inthese embodiments, the tactile switch assembly may be configured toreceive one or more input types, as well as remain in electricalcommunication with one or more elements within the device. The tactileswitch 314 of FIGS. 5-7 may be substantially the same as the tactileswitch 114 but may be integrally formed with an electrical contact on anouter surface of the dome. With reference to FIGS. 5-7, in thisembodiment, the tactile switch 314 may include a substrate 366, one moresupports 368 extending from a bottom surface 374 of the substrate 366.The supports 368 support the tactile switch 314 within the wearableelectronic device 100, such as on the substrate 166.

The tactile switch 314 may include a nub 316 extending form a topsurface 372 of the substrate 366. The nub 316 forms an electricalcontact for the dome 352, which will be discussed in more detail below.The nub 316 may be in electrical communication with one or more of theconnection terminals 360 a, 360 b, 360 d, 360 e, which may be incommunication with the processing element 124 (see, FIG. 2). The nub 316may be a conductive protrusion or may include a contact pad or otherconductive segment that is configured to be in selective communicationwith a corresponding dome contact.

With reference to FIG. 5, the dome 352 may be resilient and may beconfigured to collapse under a predetermined user force and spring backto its an initial position. The dome 352 may include a leg 370 extendingform one side of the dome 352. The leg 370 may support one or moreelectrical communication mechanisms, such as, but not limited to,flexible circuit (flex), wiring, or the like. The dome 352 may alsodefine a dome cavity 320 which is positioned over the base contact 316.A top surface 322 of the dome 352 may be configured to be spatiallyseparated from a top surface of the nub 316 such that the dome may onlytouch the contact 316 when a sufficient force is applied to the topsurface 322 of the dome. A dome contact 318 may be operably connected toan interior surface of the dome 352 and be at least partially alignedwith the nub 316.

The dome 352 may be a non-conductive material, such as plastic. In oneembodiment, the dome 352 may be an injection molded plastic. However, asmentioned above, one or more components of the dome 352 may includeelectrically conductive components, such as a flexible circuit (flex),copper wiring, and so on. Alternatively, the dome 352 may be a metalelement or other material that is electrically conductive and mayinclude one or more insulating elements connected thereto.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the tactile switch 314 may furtherinclude an electrical contact 358, which may replace the contact 158 ofthe shear plate 156, such that the shear plate may be omitted. Theelectrical contact 358 may be operably connected to the top surface 322of the dome 352. In embodiments where the tactile switch may be used toreceive rotational inputs, the electrical contact 358 may form a brushcontact for the coupling 318 to electrically connect the tactile switch314 and the coupling 318. In this manner, the electrical contact may besubstantially similar to the electrical contact 158; however, in thisembodiment, the electrical contact 358 may be formed integrally with thedome 352. However, in embodiments where rotational inputs are notdesired, the electrical contact 358 may be a conductive surface thatdoes not receive shear forces.

The electrical contact 358 is in communication with one of theconnection terminals 360 a, 360 b, 360 c, 360 d. For example, theelectrical contact 358 may be in communication with lead 360 a. In someembodiments, the dome may include a flex or other shear plate thatcouples the electrical contact 358 to the lead 360 a or alternatively,the dome 352 itself may be conductive and act to couple the twocomponents together.

As shown in FIG. 3, the electrical contact 158 may be received into thecoupling 218. However, in some embodiments, such as the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 6, the electrical contact 358 may define a receivingcavity 384 surrounded by an annular wall 382. In these embodiments, oneor more portions of the coupling 318 may be received into a recess oraperture defined within the electrical contact. In this manner, thecoupling 218 may rotate within the electrical contact 358, contactingthe interior walls of the annular wall 382.

Operation of the tactile switch assembly will now be discussed in moredetail. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 8, as the coupling 218 iscompressed, e.g., due to the user input force F, the coupling 218comprises the electrical contact 358. As the electrical contact 358 iscompressed, the force is transmitted to the dome 352, which collapses,pressing the dome contact 318 onto a top surface of the nub 316. As thedome contact 318 touches the nub 316, an electrical signal is createdand transmitted via one of the terminals 360 a, 360 b, 360 c, 360 d tothe processing element 124 (see, FIG. 2). The processing element 124then registers the user input to the tactile switch 314.

FIG. 9 is a simplified front elevation view of the tactile switch andcoupling as the user applies a rotational force. With reference to FIG.9, in instances where the user may provide a rotational input force R tothe tactile switch assembly 310, the coupling 218 may receive the forceapplied to the button 148, causing the coupling 218 to rotatecorrespondingly. In embodiments where the coupling 218 is received intoa recess 384 (see, FIG. 6) of the electrical contact 358, the coupling218 may rotate within the annular wall 382, maintaining a connectionbetween the walls and/or bottom surface 383 (see, FIG. 6) of theelectrical contact 358. This allows the coupling 218 to rotate alongwith a rotational input from the user, while still maintaining anelectrical connection to the tactile switch 314.

Conductive Nub

In some embodiments, the nub of the tactile switch may be conductive andthe shear plate may be omitted. For example, in some embodiments, theuser input surface may be configured to translate, such as movinghorizontally or vertically relative to the housing, and in theseembodiments, the tactile switch may not receive shearing forces.Alternatively, the nub of the tactile switch may be configured toreceive shear forces, while still activating the tactile switch.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate various views of another example of the tactileswitch. With reference to FIGS. 10-12, the tactile switch 414 in thisembodiment may be substantially similar to the tactile switches 114,314, but may include a conductive nub. In other words, the shear platemay be integrated with the nub of the tactile switch. In particular, thetactile switch 414 may include a substrate 466, one or more substratesupports 468, a plurality of connection terminals 460 a, 460 b, 460 c,460 d, and the nub 416.

With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the nub 416 may be operably connectedto the top surface 472 of the substrate 466. In some embodiments, thesubstrate 466, or at least portions of the top surface 472, may beinsulated to electrically separate the various terminals of the switch414, as well as the nub 416 for certain components of the switch 414.The nub 416 may include a conductive portion, such as pad 421 on a topsurface of the nub 416, or the nub 416 may be made of a conductivematerial, or another material laced with conductive elements. One ormore of the terminals is in electrical communication with the nub 416.For example, terminal 460 d may be in communication with the nub 416,whereas terminals 460 a, 460 b, 460 c may be used as one or morecontacts for the switch contact within the substrate 466. In theseembodiments, the nub 416 may act as a brush contact to allow thecoupling to rotate.

The tactile switch 414 may be used with the tactile switch assembly 110of FIG. 3. In these embodiments, the nub 416 may be received into therecess 224 of the coupling 218. Similarly to the electrical contact 158,the nub 416 may be received between the sidewalls of the annular wall226, which operably connects the nub and the coupling 218.

In embodiments where the tactile switch assembly 110 includes thetactile switch 414 of FIGS. 10-12, the nub 416 may be configured to notonly be conductive, but may also resist shear forces and overload. Forexample, with the shear plate omitted, the nub 416 may experience shearforces as the coupling 218 rotates on top of the nub 416 and around thenub 416. Additionally, the nub is configured to receive mechanicalinputs, such as the force of the coupling 218, and under the load of theforce, the nub 416 completes a switch circuit by connecting one or moreof the terminals together. As one example, the nub 416 may at leastpartially compress when a compressive force is applied to the button148, allowing the nub 416 to function as the dome, to provide tactilefeedback to a user as well as create a signal corresponding to theuser's input.

CONCLUSION

The foregoing description has broad application. For example, whileexamples disclosed herein may focus on a wearable electronic device, itshould be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may equallyapply to substantially any other type of electronic device. Similarly,although the input button may be discussed with respect to a crown for awatch, the devices and techniques disclosed herein are equallyapplicable to other types of input button structures. Accordingly, thediscussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary and is notintended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including theclaims, is limited to these examples.

What is claimed is:
 1. A switch assembly comprising: an input member; atactile switch operably connected to the input member; and an electricalcontact operably connected to the tactile switch and in electricalcommunication with the input member.
 2. The switch assembly of claim 2,wherein the electrical contact extends from the tactile switch and formsa nub for the tactile switch.
 3. The switch assembly of claim 2, furthercomprising a plate positioned between the tactile switch and the inputmember, wherein the electrical contact is connected to the plate.
 4. Aninput module comprising: a switch; an input button operably connected tothe switch and configured to activate the switch; a shear platepositioned between the switch and the input button; wherein the shearplate transmits translational forces applied to the input button to theswitch; the shear plate prevents rotational forces applied to the inputbutton from being transmitted to the switch.
 5. The input module ofclaim 4, wherein the shear plate is in electrical communication with theinput button.
 6. An input module comprising: a switch; a rotatable andtranslatable input member operably connected to the switch andconfigured to actuate the switch; and an electrical contact operablyconnected to the switch and in electrical communication with the inputmember; wherein the electrical connection between the input member andthe electrical contact is maintained during translation and rotation ofthe input member.
 7. The input module of claim 6, wherein the inputmember comprises: a button; and a coupling operably connected to thebutton and moveable therewith.
 8. The input module of claim 6, whereinthe switch comprises a dome, wherein the input member is configured tocollapse the dome when the input member translates.
 9. The input moduleof claim 6, wherein the electrical contact is a brush contact switch.10. The input module of claim 6, wherein the electrical contact isintegrated with the switch.
 11. The input module of claim 6, furthercomprising a shear plate positioned between the input member and theswitch, wherein the electrical contact extends from the shear plate. 12.A switch assembly comprising: a rotatable and translatable input member;a coupling operable connected to the input member and moveabletherewith; a tactile switch operably connected to the coupling; and anelectrical contact operably connected to the tactile switch and inelectrical communication with the coupling; wherein the input member isconfigured to actuate the electrical component when the input membertranslates; the coupling rotates as the input member rotates; and theelectrical connection between the coupling and the electrical contact ismaintained during translation and rotation of the input member.
 13. Theswitch assembly of claim 12, further comprising a shear plate positionedbetween the coupling and the tactile switch, wherein the electricalcontact extends from the shear plate.
 14. The switch assembly of claim12, wherein the electrical contact forms a nub for the tactile switch.15. The switch assembly of claim 12, wherein the tactile switchcomprises: an actuatable dome; and a switch circuit in selectivecommunication with the dome.
 16. The switch assembly of claim 12,further comprising a sensor operably connected to the input member andin electrical communication with the coupling.
 17. The switch assemblyof claim 16, wherein the sensor is configured to detect one or morebiological characteristics of a user.
 18. The switch assembly of claim12, further comprising a rotational sensor configured to detect rotationof the coupling.
 19. An electronic device incorporating the switchassembly of claim
 12. 20. A wearable electronic device, comprising: anenclosure defining a cavity and a button aperture defined through theenclosure; a processing element received within the cavity; a switchmodule operably connected to the enclosure, the switch modulecomprising: a tactile switch in communication with the processingelement; a rotatable and translatable input member operably connected tothe tactile switch; and a contact operably connected to the tactileswitch and electrically coupled to the input member; wherein theelectrical coupling between the input member and the contact ismaintained during translation and rotation of the input member.
 21. Thewearable electronic device of claim 15, wherein the input membercomprises: a crown; and a coupling member operably connected to thecrown and rotatable therewith, the coupling being electrically coupledto the input member; wherein the coupling is configured to actuate theswitch when the crown translates relative to the enclosure; the couplingrotates as the crown rotates; and the electrical coupling between theinput member and the coupling is maintained during translation androtation of the input member.
 22. The wearable electronic device ofclaim 21, wherein the crown and the coupling are electrically isolatedfrom the enclosure.
 23. The wearable electronic device of claim 22,further comprising an insulating sleeve positioned within the buttonaperture.
 24. The wearable electronic device of claim 21, furthercomprising a shear member positioned between the tactile switch and theinput member, wherein the contact is formed on the shear member.
 25. Thewearable electronic device of claim 21, further comprising: a rotationsensor in communication with the processing element; a trackable elementoperably connected to the input member and rotatable therewith; whereinthe rotation sensor is configured to detect rotation of the trackableelement.